Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Europe: which infection control measures are taken

• Published in: Infection 2010-06, Vol.38 (3), p.159-164
• Main Authors: Hansen, S, Schwab, F, Asensio, A, Carsauw, H, Heczko, P, Klavs, I, Lyytikäinen, O, Palomar, M, Riesenfeld-Orn, I, Savey, A, Szilagyi, E, Valinteliene, R, Fabry, J, Gastmeier, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Clinical and Epidemiological Study; Cross Infection - epidemiology; Cross Infection - microbiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Decolonization; Disinfection; Europe - epidemiology; Family Medicine; General Practice; Hospitals; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Infection control measures; Infectious Diseases; Intensive Care Units - statistics & numerical data; Internal Medicine; Life Sciences; Medical sciences; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Miscellaneous; MRSA; Nosocomial infection; Population Surveillance - methods; Prevention; Public health; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Staphylococcal Infections - epidemiology; Staphylococcal Infections - microbiology; Staphylococcal Infections - prevention & control; Staphylococcus aureus
• ISSN: 0300-8126; 1439-0973
• DOI: 10.1007/s15010-010-0001-8

Background The prevalence of hospital-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections shows a huge variety across Europe. Some countries reported a reduction in MRSA frequency, while in others countries increasing MRSA rates have been observed. To reduce the spread of MRSA in the healthcare setting, a sufficient MRSA management is essential. In order to reflect the MRSA management across Europe, MRSA prevention policies were surveyed in ten countries. Materials and methods The survey was performed by questionnaires in European intensive care units (ICUs) and surgical departments (SDs) in 2004. Questionnaires asked for availability of bedside alcohol hand-disinfection, isolation precautions, decolonization and screening methods. The study was embedded in the Hospital in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) Project, a European collaboration of national surveillance networks. HELICS was initiated in order to harmonize the national surveillance activities in the individual countries. Therefore, HELICS participants developed surveillance modules for nosocomial infections in ICUs and for surgical site infections (SSI). The coordination of this surveillance has now been transferred to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Results A total of 526 ICUs and 223 SDs from ten countries sent data on organisational characteristics and policies, demonstrating wide variations in care. Substantial variation existed in availability of bedside alcohol hand-disinfection, which was much higher in participating ICUs rather than in SDs (86 vs. 59%). Surveillance cultures of contact patients were obtained in approximately three-fourths of all SDs (72%) and ICUs (75%). Countries with decreasing MRSA proportions showed especially strict implementation of various prevention measures. Conclusion The data obtained regarding MRSA prevention measures should stimulate infection control professionals to pursue further initiatives. Particularly, the vigorous MRSA management in countries with decreasing MRSA proportions should encourage hospitals to implement preventive measures in order to reduce the spread of MRSA.